FORT PIERCE — One of two officers involved in the fatal shooting last month of Demarcus Semer received praise for his "extraordinary courage and heroic action" during a 2012 confrontation with a fleeing suspect that ended with a shooting, according to records released Thursday.

Fort Pierce Police Officer Ralph Keith Holmes and a St. Lucie County Sheriff's detective were cleared by a grand jury in the fatal December 2012 shooting of 47-year-old John Donald Augstgen.

Holmes, who joined the police in 2003, was recognized for his bravery with the department's "Police Combat Cross."

The accolade noted Holmes encountered a suspect fleeing officers and "during a pursuit the suspect used his vehicle as a deadly weapon against deputies and officers."

"As the suspect attempted to run over other officers, you exited the safety of your vehicle and stopped the suspect by firing your service weapon," the award stated. "This action immediately resolved the deadly threat to public safety. You are commended for extraordinary courage and heroic action in protecting your community."

Holmes and Sgt. Brian MacNaught, who also joined police in 2003, were placed on paid administrative leave on April 24 after the shooting of Semer. Fort Pierce Deputy Chief Frank Amandro said this is standard procedure in officer-involved shooting cases.

The Semer shooting, in which two officers fired their weapons, happened after police tried to stop Semer's vehicle on North 19th Street about 11:55 p.m. April 23, according to the Sheriff's Office. The Sheriff's Office was asked to investigate by Fort Pierce police.

Sheriff Ken Mascara has said that at some point, Semer, 21, attempted to flee in his car and, in doing so, ran over one of the officers, injuring his leg, as a second officer was getting in Semer's car. The second officer couldn't exit the moving car. Semer was shot outside his vehicle and died.

In 2014, the department recognized Holmes's actions with a lifesaving award for his quick action that saved five young swimmers who were in distress and stranded on the jetty rocks at the Fort Pierce Inlet State Park.

The award noted that after U.S. Coast Guard officials threw a rescue line without success, Holmes jumped in the water and used the rescue line to transport the five girls to safety.

"The quick actions by Officer Holmes ultimately saved the life of the five female victims," the award stated.

A review of Holmes's employee file shows several letters from businesses, nonprofits and residents thanking him for his actions on and off the job.

Holmes also has been disciplined, records show. His Professional Standards file contains nine pages detailing 73 allegations, including being discourteous, unbecoming conduct and one incident of a false arrest.

Records show officials sustained 13 of the 73 complaints against Holmes, including in 2011, when records show he used sick time to cover a two-week suspension and was ordered to undergo counseling related to a harassment incident. His file didn't contain additional details of the incident.

MacNaught, an Air Force veteran, has received high marks on annual evaluations, according to personnel records. He was promoted to sergeant in December 2008.

In April 2015, MacNaught and several other officers received an exceptional unit award. Two years earlier, a lieutenant from the Florida Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco included MacNaught and others in a memo recognizing their work in investigating criminal activity at the Chocolate City Pool Room on Orange Avenue.

In May 2006, MacNaught and another officer got a lifesaving citation after efforts to rescue a passenger trapped in a burning vehicle.

"Putting your personal safety aside and without hesitation, you worked quickly to free the passenger before he sustained fatal injuries," the citation states. "Your heroic efforts and rapid response undoubtedly saved the life of the passenger who was left behind by the driver, who fled the scene after a Good Samaritan pulled the driver from the burning wreckage."

MacNaught has been the subject of virtually no disciplinary action, according to his personnel file. In 2010, he didn't show up for an off-duty work detail because he had to take a sick family member to a follow-up doctor's appointment.

Before joining the Fort Pierce police, MacNaught worked with the Department of Veterans Affairs hospital in West Palm Beach as a police officer.

About Will Greenlee

Will Greenlee is a breaking news reporter for Treasure Coast Newspapers. He has been working here since 1997, and is based in Stuart.